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“Not to worry,” President Jacob Zuma is assuring South Africans. Nelson Mandela‘s feeling much better now.

PHOTOS: PRAYERS! Nelson Mandela Back In Hospital For Lung Infection

After a second night in the hospital for a recurrent lung infection, Zuma, who has been urging compatriots not to panic, said that Mandela was in “good spirits” on Friday after enjoying breakfast. He also reported that the former and first black South African president’s health is making steady progress.

However, Zuma’s statement gave no clue to when Mandela, 94, would be discharged from the hospital. Because this is his third time in four months being admitted, authorities delayed announcing his struggle with the infection again as not to rekindle worries about his frailty.

PHOTOS: BLESSED! Nelson Mandela Released From Hospital, Doing “Well!”

But Zuma is assuring that all is well.

“The presidency wishes to advise that former President Nelson Mandela is in good spirits and enjoyed a full breakfast this morning, 29 March 2013. The doctors report that he is making steady progress. He remains under treatment and observation in hospital.”

“Of course I have been saying to people, you should bear in mind Madiba is no longer that young and if he goes for checkups every now and again, I don’t think people must be alarmed about it,” Mr. Zuma told the BBC, referring to Mr. Mandela by his clan name. “I would like to really say the country must not panic.”

We’re glad he’s feeling a bit better. Get well soon!

SOURCE: NYT